BLUEBELL RUN
This short ride starts in Usk and follows NCN Route 42 as it climbs through the village of Bettws Newydd, down past the Clytha Folly, and returning by the legendary Chain Bridge and windmill of Llancayo.
Route Overview: Clytha Classic, aka Bluebell Run
Locations include: Usk, Bettws Newydd, Clytha, and Llancayo
Total Distance: 12.6 mi. / 20.27 km
Elevation Change: +639 ft / -640 ft
Approximate Travel Time: 1 - 2 hour(s)
Ride Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Usk is a popular small town for cycling. Cyclists of all sorts can often be seen pedaling along through the town centre as two main routes of the National Cycle Network pass through the town; NCN Route 42 and NCN Route 423.
The route I'm highlighting today is a short circular loop which starts along NCN Route 42 heading out of Usk toward Abergavenny. The route veers off at Llancayo and quietly climbs to the village of Bettws Newydd before dropping down to Clytha. To return, the route then crosses over to Abergavenny Road to cycle back into Usk.
At nearly 13 miles in length, this route can be cycled easily within a couple of hours. There are a few small hills to climb matched with a few fast descents. Traffic can be somewhat heavy along Abergavenny Road (especially during rush hour), but it is also quite wide and sweeping so that cars can easily pass.
If you are fairly new to cycling on the road; this is an excellent route for building confidence. Traffic is often very light light and cyclists are commonly seen individually or in groups as Abergavenny Road is very popular for cyclists. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to cycle this route without seeing another cyclist or many other cyclists for that matter.
The route I'm highlighting today is a short circular loop which starts along NCN Route 42 heading out of Usk toward Abergavenny. The route veers off at Llancayo and quietly climbs to the village of Bettws Newydd before dropping down to Clytha. To return, the route then crosses over to Abergavenny Road to cycle back into Usk.
At nearly 13 miles in length, this route can be cycled easily within a couple of hours. There are a few small hills to climb matched with a few fast descents. Traffic can be somewhat heavy along Abergavenny Road (especially during rush hour), but it is also quite wide and sweeping so that cars can easily pass.
If you are fairly new to cycling on the road; this is an excellent route for building confidence. Traffic is often very light light and cyclists are commonly seen individually or in groups as Abergavenny Road is very popular for cyclists. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to cycle this route without seeing another cyclist or many other cyclists for that matter.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | On Road | Steep Hill |
About this route - This is another lovely route I was first shown whilst cycling with the Kingfishers. This small loop will eventually be part of a much larger Vale of Usk Classic looping up from Newport. I've decided to publish this sub-section just because this loop is worthy of its own recognition.
BLUEBELL RUN
ON ROAD |
+ | NCN | 42 |  | Bettws Newydd & Clytha |
Location(s): Moderately busy road and two quiet lanes with some small hills
Section Distance: 12.6 mi. / 20.27 km
Elevation Change: +639 ft / -640 ft
Section Distance: 12.6 mi. / 20.27 km
Elevation Change: +639 ft / -640 ft
Many local cyclists say; "all roads lead to Usk", because you are guaranteed to see cyclists of all shapes and sizes passing though. The town square is a perfect place to begin this route. Traffic is slow, there are benches for taking a break and people/cycle watching. Plus, the town has the added benefit of being the junction between NCN Routes 42 & 423.
Like many of the towns in this part of Wales; it is a medieval town with a rich history dating back to the Roman Era. It has a castle (see my Gallery; Usk Castle), but unlike Raglan and Monmouth, it is much smaller, privately owned, and often over-shadowed by its more publicised neighbours.
Usk deserves more attention than I'm giving it here and to be honest, I could make a full post just on the town itself. But that is for another time... for us, it's time to get on the road!
From the town square (facing the castle), follow the NCN Route 42 sign on the lamp post (image above) and turn left onto Castle Parade. You'll then go roughly 500 feet and turn right onto Abergavenny Road (B4598). Note the Route 42 on the sign post (image below).
Soon enough you're leaving town along Abergavenny Road and passing under the old disused railway bridge (image below). There are distant rumours that one day it might be converted into a walking and cycle path leading all the way to Pontypool. That would be great to see.
The road is in pretty poor condition with broken bits of pavement and numerous potholes. It is also quite narrow and somewhat busy at times, so show caution. Otherwise, it's a lovely section to cycle along with the River Usk just below and to your left.
After the first mile, you leave the canopy of trees and the road widens onto a broad, flat plain.
Far off to your left is the restored Llancayo Windmill. They've put up no trespassing signs since it has been converted into a luxury holiday retreat, so you can't really see it up close now.
As you continue along Abergavenny Road (B4598), NCN Route 42 veers off to the right 1.6 mi. from town. The lane is much more narrow and with far less traffic as you begin a slow, undulating climb up to Bettws Newydd.
You can take your time, there's no rush and the scenery is lovely.
Two miles later, the road levels out as you cycle under a canopy of old trees entering the sleepy village of Bettws Newydd.
There are several interesting things to see in Bettws Newydd, if you care to stop and have a wander. Just as you head into town there is the medieval Church of St Aeddan (right onto a very small lane, image above). The Grade I listed building contains a unique rood arrangement unlike in any church found in England and Wales. In the churchyard are two yew trees estimated to be over 1,000 years old and are amongst the oldest yews in Wales.
Behind The Black Bear Inn is an early Norman motte and bailey tump. Whilst across the road from the pub and up a very steep hill, sits a massive Iron Age hillfort. The site is very poplular during the early spring when the earthworks and entrenchments are covered in a thick blanket of bluebells. The hillfort and surrounding woods are now in the care of the National Trust.
If you don't stop, you're very quickly heading out of the village down a short hill, which flattens briefly before beginning another short climb.
Once at the top of the hill, the Vale of Usk opens up before you and in the far distance you're provided an excellent view of Skirrid Mountain (image below).
Then as you race down the hill, if you look to your right, you will see why I call this Bluebell Run (image below).
During the early part of Spring (late March and early April, depending on the weather), the surrounding hilldside undeneath the canopy of trees will be covered in Bluebells. This is part of the Clytha Estate Park and it's simply fantastic.
At the bottom of the hill you will see a small car park off to your left. To your right is a footpath leading up to Clytha Folly. This too is another lovely place to stop for a wander or a picnic.
The road flattens out again as you approach the gates to the Clytha Estate. Turn left following the NCN Route 42 sign (image below).
Just as I was taking this photo I was passed by a couple of cyclists. It's not often that I include people in my images, but I told ya this is a popular route!
Approximately .5 mi ahead, NCN Route 42 turns right. However for this route, continue straight to the following junction (approximately another .25 mi.) and turn left at the the big stone house (image below).
This short lane will cut-through and connect to Abergavenny Road. The lane often floods as it sits nearly level with the River Usk to your left. In fact, if you find the lane closed, you can continue straight past the big stone house and join Abergavenny Road (B4598) at the top of the hill and another .25 mi. ahead. Personally, I just enjoy this little short cut.
The fields are generally very wet and the road is quite uneven and spotted with potholes, but it's quiet and scenic. (I've always thought those two trees in the image above look like they're talking to each other... what do you think?)
And then in just over .5 mi. the lane ends at the junction with Abergavenny Road (B4598). Turn left again to begin your way back to Usk.
As you can see the road seems very quiet — now. It can get pretty busy during rush hours, so show caution and choose your time and day for cycling carefully. Otherwise, it's a lovely and easy 6 mi. ride back to the town of Usk.
Chain Bridge is a well-known crossing over the River Usk (image above). Chances are you will have to stop as the bridge only has one lane. There was once a large golf course, pub, and campsite along here. Sadly, over the past few years they've all closed.
The spend limit along Aberavenny Road is 50 mph, but it is wide in most places making it quite easy for cars to pass. Visability is excellent and again, cyclists can be seen pedaling along in either direction.
After passing through another heavily wooded section, the valley opens up again as you re-enter Llancayo. (Note the windmill in the image below.)
The road is wide and flat and with little effort you're racing along with the wind as you head back into the town of Usk.
The last couple of miles will feel like nothing as you glide back into town and I dare you to not have a smile on your face after having cycled this lovely Bluebell Run.
Additional Details - Clytha Classic, aka Bluebell Run
Getting to the start: To Usk - There is no train service to Usk.
Before you leave: It's worthwhile to do a little research before you make your trip to learn about the area. There are shops and facilities in the town of Usk, but not along most of this route itself.
You & your equipment: You should bring snacks and drinks to last the ride. It is highly recommended that you also carry suitable rain gear (This is Wales!) Always carry a spare tube, tyre patch kit (with tyre levers), a good quality multi-tool, and a reliable tyre pump. Be sure your bicycle is in top mechanical condition — do the 11-step M-test!
Parking: The route begins and ends at the town square. There is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.
Before you leave: It's worthwhile to do a little research before you make your trip to learn about the area. There are shops and facilities in the town of Usk, but not along most of this route itself.
You & your equipment: You should bring snacks and drinks to last the ride. It is highly recommended that you also carry suitable rain gear (This is Wales!) Always carry a spare tube, tyre patch kit (with tyre levers), a good quality multi-tool, and a reliable tyre pump. Be sure your bicycle is in top mechanical condition — do the 11-step M-test!
Parking: The route begins and ends at the town square. There is generally ample parking. Some locations may charge a daily or hourly fee.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | On Road | Steep Hill |
PDF Map & Cue Sheets
provided by: Ride with GPS
Download: Click the image above to view a .pdf file of the route. You may then print the file for your adventure!
Note to Readers: Examine the provided online maps closely to understand conditions prior to your ride. Each route listed includes a colour-coded map indicating specific terrain along with the distance(s). When considering difficulty; remember elevations +/- gains are equally important to distances. Printing the included .pdf maps and/or downloading the GPS file is highly recommeded.
Disclaimer of Liability. Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the conditions of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network that the reader may choose to follow. Any action(s) taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of those involved.
